Amorphophallus atrorubens - Corpse Flower

🌿 Amorphophallus atrorubens, commonly known as the Corpse Flower or Voodoo Lily, is a striking member of the Araceae family that hails from the tropical forests of Southeast Asia, particularly Thailand and surrounding regions. This tuberous perennial is known for its dramatic, mottled stems and deeply divided umbrella-like leaves that can create quite a statement in any collection. While it's often considered an intermediate-level plant due to its specific dormancy requirements, the reward is well worth the effort. Here's a fun fact: despite its common name association with the infamous titan arum, this smaller cousin produces a similarly pungent odour during flowering to attract pollinating insects, though on a much more manageable scale for indoor growers.
FOLIAGE AND GROWTH HABIT
The growth habit of Amorphophallus atrorubens is upright and architectural, with a single stem emerging from the underground tuber to support a large, umbrella-like leaf structure. The leaf itself is deeply dissected and palmate, creating an intricate, almost lacy appearance that spreads horizontally. The foliage is a rich green colour with prominent veining, and the stem displays beautiful mottling in shades of cream, green, and burgundy that resembles snake skin. The texture is smooth yet sturdy, and the entire plant can reach impressive heights during its growing season before naturally dying back during dormancy.
FLOWER DETAILS
The flower of Amorphophallus atrorubens is truly a conversation starter, appearing before the foliage emerges in spring from the dormant tuber. The spathe (the petal-like structure) is deep maroon to purple-red on the inside with a paler exterior, wrapping around a central spadix that can be dark purple to nearly black. The shape is elongated and somewhat tubular, creating an exotic, primitive appearance. As for fragrance, well, it lives up to its common name by producing a distinct carrion-like smell that lasts for a day or two to attract fly pollinators in nature. The aesthetic appeal lies in its unusual, almost alien appearance rather than traditional beauty. Flowering typically occurs once per year if conditions are right, and encouraging blooms requires proper dormancy with cool, dry conditions during the tuber's rest period, followed by warmth and moisture when growth resumes.
CARE INSTRUCTIONS
🌞 Light: Bright indirect light to partial shade works best, with about 4-6 hours of filtered light daily. Avoid direct sun which can scorch the delicate foliage.
💧 Water: During active growth (spring through summer), water regularly to keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Reduce watering significantly in autumn and stop completely during winter dormancy when the leaf dies back. Bottom watering or thorough soaking works well during growing season.
🌡️ Humidity: Prefers moderate to high humidity between 50-70% during active growth, though it can tolerate average home humidity.
🪴 Soil: Well-draining, rich soil mix with good aeration. A blend of potting soil, perlite, and compost works excellently.
🏺 Potting: Choose a pot that's 2-3 times the diameter of the tuber with drainage holes. Terra cotta or plastic both work. Repot every 2-3 years or when the tuber outgrows its container, typically done during dormancy.
🌱 Growth rate: Moderate to fast during active season. Expect significant height gain (up to 3-5 feet) within 6 months of growth, with the leaf fully developing in 1-2 months after emergence. Mature specimens can reach 4-6 feet tall.
👩‍🌾 Fertilizing: Feed every 2-3 weeks during active growth (spring to summer) with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength. No fertilizer needed during dormancy.
🐾 Pet friendly: No, this plant is toxic to pets and humans. All parts contain calcium oxalate crystals which can cause mouth irritation, excessive drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing if ingested. Keep well out of reach of curious pets and children.
WHERE TO PUT IT
Amorphophallus atrorubens makes a stunning floor plant or table centrepiece in living rooms, home offices, or bright entryways where its architectural form can be properly appreciated during the growing season. A bright bathroom with good humidity can also be ideal. Place it near east or west-facing windows where it receives gentle morning or evening light, or a few feet back from a south-facing window with sheer curtains. Avoid placing it in dark corners, directly in front of heating vents, or in high-traffic areas where the delicate leaf structure might get bumped. During dormancy, the pot can be stored in a cool, dark location like a basement or garage where temperatures remain above freezing.
RARITY ASSESSMENT
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